Christmas made merrier for hard up veterans; Able Forces ‘adopts’ Valley families

Local veterans and their families will benefit again this Christmas from the “Adopt-a-Warrior-Family” headed by Skip Rogers of Front Royal.

Rogers and two family members, his wife Kathy and daughter Lisa Salomon of Rockland, the Able Forces staff on Chester Street, work specifically to aid veteran families across the nation by helping vets find work – “Not just work, but longtime occupations with a future,” Rogers emphasizes.

Eight years ago, a couple of years after Skip and Kathy moved to Front Royal with their business, Rogers established an “Able Forces Foundation,” an adjunct non-profit that, with the cooperation of the military, delivers all the things a needy vet’s family would require to ensure a happy holiday season.

At least, that’s how it started in 2011. Christmas trees, food hampers, stocking stuffers and the like were delivered to warrior families the week before the holiday.

Santa’s helpers – (left to right) Skip and Kathy Rogers, Santa Claus, and Lisa Salomon of Able Forces – advertising last year’s 7th edition of “Adopt-a-Warrior-Family.” Courtesy Photo/Able Forces

This year, at a family’s prerogative, Able Forces Foundation will provide gift cards (up to $500) for those chosen to receive them. “We’ve found that today most families choose this option, the option for them to go out and shop for themselves and their kids, and, frankly, its easier for us to deliver a card rather than a hamper and a tree,” Rogers told me.

All ‘adopted’ families are identified by military advocates on military bases for military recovery programs in the Washington, D.C. area.

In seven Christmases past in the Valley, 24 warrior families, and hundreds more around the country, received trees and hampers including presents for entire families, through this locally-run foundation. Rogers said he works with Veteran’s Administration officials and staffs in Strasburg, Stephens City, and Martinsburg, WV, to distribute cheer among Valley families.

“Locally and nationally we receive financial donations from individuals, as well as generous sponsorships from small and large businesses, to support the “Adopt-a-Warrior Family” during the Christmas season,” Rogers said.

He added that one hundred percent of all donations go directly to support the program. “There are no administrative or overhead fees taken out,” he added.

To make a contribution, go to ableforces.org/adopt. For further information, call (540) 631-9600.